Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Gatos team second in tennis nationals

It wasn't quite Mardi Gras season.

But that didn't matter much to Leslie Vallejo and her Los Gatos Swim & Racquet Club teammates when they traveled to New Orleans last month.

Because they weren't going to Louisianna to celebrate Mardi Gras--they were going to try to win a national championship.

And they came darn close.

The local tennis team took part in the United States Tennis Assocation League 5.0 Adult National Championships on Oct. 6 at the RiverCenter Racquet and Health Club. And the locals made it to the finals before losing.

Los Gatos beat Louisville, Ky., 3-0 in the semifinals to earn a spot in the championship match against Fairfax, Va. The clubs matched perfect 5-0 records in that final match, but Fairfax pulled out a 2-1 victory to clinch the title.

"We were expecting a really good, tough match, and that's what we got," said Vallejo, who served as team co-captain with Sue Anawalt.

Vicki Kanter went three sets to claim a tight 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over Beth Fleming at No. 1 singles, but that was the only win the Los Gatos crew could manage in the match.

Kanter had won 8-4 at No. 1 singles in the semifinals to start Gatos on the road to the victory.

Andi Okamura and Ann Kerwin-Payne teamed for an 8-4 win at No. 1 doubles and Kelly Ryan and Kristen Hildebrand won 8-4 at No. 2 doubles.

The 5.0 designation indicates the advanced division of USTA League Tennis. Levels range from 2.5 (beginner) to 5.0.